WIFE OF 30 YEARS: HE ALWAYS PUT HIS BEST FOOT FORWARD

Irma Ramjohn celebrated her 73^rd birthday on January 23, but she will forever remember that day with sadness, because it was the day the man with whom she shared her life for over 30 years passed away.

Manny Ramjohn, 82, died on Friday January 23 at the San Fernando General Hospital after suddenly falling ill three days before.

Ramjohn, who lived most of his married life at Caratal Road, Gasparillo, died early on Friday morning. But according to his wife, he seemed fine until he complained of stomach pains on Tuesday.

"Up to two months ago, he ran 16 miles a day. During his career, he collected about 48 first prizes," she said. Ramjohn was one of the first athletes to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Olympics in 1948 in London, England.

Irma recalled a time when they "were just friends" and Ramjohn ran from Arima to Port of Spain.

"I remember going to see him run, and somewhere by San Juan, he had only one shoe on, but he finished the race. Time to go home, he couldn't walk, so I had to explain to my aunt and grandmother why he had to stay by me. I'll always remember that. He put his best foot forward," she added with a chuckle.

Ramjohn was employed at Texaco before his retirement, but he never gave up his love of the scouts. Up to the time of his death he was still an active scout leader, as is his wife.

"Manny always accompanied troops abroad. He went on every scout jamboree. Up to the last one they had in Trinidad, he was with the boys," she said, adding with a smile, "But I didn't let him spend the night. It was too dusty."

Ramjohn's wife said he led a full life. She said that just the week before his death, during a casual conversation, Ramjohn told her that he had no regrets.

"I can say that I am proud of the man I got married to. Especially since I didn't have to ask him to marry me," she added.

Ramjohn was buried under Muslim rites last Monday at the Paradise Cemetery.

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